Modification of Child Support

Modification of Child Support Lawyer

arties financial situations may change during the minority of the child. During difficult economic times, it can be hard for one parent to keep up with child support payments. If you are having a hard time keeping up with your child support payments, or you believe you are entitled to more child support due to a change in circumstances, a petition to the court must be filed if you want to change the child support amount.

In order to modify child support a party must establish that there has been substantial change in the circumstances since the entry of the Final Judgment or last support order. The substantial change must also be material, substantial, and continuing since the entry of the prior judgment. The amount of child support that will be paid for the support of a child is dependent upon the Florida Legislature’s statutory guidelines and is determined on the child’s “need.”

Specifically, the Court investigates whether there has been a change in the party’s income that necessitates a recalculation of the child support. In order for child support to be modified there must be a substantial change in circumstances in which the current child support guidelines differ from the previously established guidelines at least 15% or $50, whichever amount is greater.

Reasons for modification of child support may include:

Paying party loses their job

Paying party’s loss of income

Receiving party obtains an increase in pay

Child’s expenses decrease

Receiving party loses their job

Paying party makes more money

Child expenses increase

Illness

Failure of a parent to exercise time-sharing

Penalties for not paying child support include:

Payment may be taken out of wages

Driver’s license may be suspended

Tax returns may be seized

Jail or prison time

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When you are facing a family law issue, you need a dedicated advocate who truly cares about your needs and is experienced in handling them properly. Contact Hughes Law Group today. We will take the time to listen to your story and strategize towards resolving your family law issues together. Make the right move. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!